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Soapbox announces plans to close in July

The four-story venue at 255 N. Front St., which housed live music venue and bar The Soapbox Laundro-Lounge as well as Nutt Street Comedy Room in the historic Elks Temple Building, will cease operations on July 28.

Published: Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 10:41 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 10:41 p.m.

A popular spot in downtown Wilmington announced on Thursday evening that it will be closing this summer.

The four-story venue at 255 N. Front St., which housed live music venue and bar The Soapbox Laundro-Lounge as well as Nutt Street Comedy Room in the historic Elks Temple Building, will cease operations on July 28, according to a letter that owner Brent Watkins posted on Facebook.

"The Soapbox has had an overwhelming amount of success in many areas of business for more than a decade," Watkins said in the letter. "However, it has also faced its fair share of obstacles not uncommon to any small business. Among the hurdles that surpass day-to-day operations, one in particular that has proven to be extremely challenging to overcome has been the business relationship with the property The Soapbox occupies."

He, however, hinted that this may not spell the end for the business, which started in 2001 on the ground floor and expanded over the years.

"Though this announcement implies a certain level of finality to the existence of The Soapbox Laundro-Lounge and Nutt Street Comedy Room, plans are being formulated and acted upon to ensure this is not an end-all occasion for either idea," Watkins wrote. "These difficult obstacles that have arisen over time speak nothing of the great success the business has had throughout the years."

A listing on www.loopnet.com shows the 15,000-square-foot building is currently listed for sale for $1.47 million.

In the letter, Watkins promised multiple events throughout July to serve as a sendoff celebration for the business.

<p>A popular spot in downtown Wilmington announced on Thursday evening that it will be closing this summer.</p><p>The four-story venue at 255 N. Front St., which housed live music venue and bar The Soapbox Laundro-Lounge as well as Nutt Street Comedy Room in the historic Elks Temple Building, will cease operations on July 28, according to a letter that owner Brent Watkins posted on <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/facebook"><b>Facebook</b></a>.</p><p>"The Soapbox has had an overwhelming amount of success in many areas of business for more than a decade," Watkins said in the letter. "However, it has also faced its fair share of obstacles not uncommon to any small business. Among the hurdles that surpass day-to-day operations, one in particular that has proven to be extremely challenging to overcome has been the business relationship with the property The Soapbox occupies."</p><p>He, however, hinted that this may not spell the end for the business, which started in 2001 on the ground floor and expanded over the years.</p><p>"Though this announcement implies a certain level of finality to the existence of The Soapbox Laundro-Lounge and Nutt Street Comedy Room, plans are being formulated and acted upon to ensure this is not an end-all occasion for either idea," Watkins wrote. "These difficult obstacles that have arisen over time speak nothing of the great success the business has had throughout the years."</p><p>A listing on www.loopnet.com shows the 15,000-square-foot building is currently listed for sale for $1.47 million.</p><p>In the letter, Watkins promised multiple events throughout July to serve as a sendoff celebration for the business.</p>